Module [Module Number]	SM Seminar Information Systems l [1277MSSIS1] (Master) SM Seminar Information Systems II [1277MSSIS2] (Master) SM Advanced Electives I [1015PSArC1] (PhD)
Regular Cycle	Summer Term
Teaching Form	Seminar
Examination Form	Seminar Paper, Presentation
Teaching Language	English
ECTS	6
Instructor	Prof. Dr. Stefan Seidel
KLIPS	Summer Term 2025 (First Registration Phase)
Syllabus	(will be uploaded soon)

Seminar Topic

Autonomous design tools are fundamentally changing how designers work across various industries and design tasks. These tools make independent design decisions and in, some cases, execute complex design processes. They use technologies and methods typically associated with artificial intelligence (AI), including machine learning, pattern recognition, meta-heuristics, and evolutionary algorithms. Systems used in design having varying degrees of autonomy have been discussed under multiple labels, including procedural generation, procedural modeling, computational creativity, generative design systems, and autonomous generation. 

Autonomous design tools allow for the generation of a variety of diverse design outcomes, including computer chips, software, three-dimensional virtual worlds, and large amounts of content for video games and feature films. They will conceivable be a key element in the emerging Metaverse. The applications for such autonomous design tools are also expanding to other industries, e.g., mechanical engineering, aerospace, and architecture.

Instead of creating artifacts by directly manipulating their representations, designers select tools, decide on design parameters, set values for these parameters, and evaluate and learn from the analysis of the results the tools produce. Design work in such situations involves intense interaction with autonomous tools. Designers need to be mindful of the logic, capabilities, and limitations of the tools as well as the algorithms these tools employ. They must find ways to make sense of and deal with the often unanticipated outputs of such tools.

 

Students will …

• understand the main concepts, theories, and methods related to the seminar topic.
• prepare independently a research design for a research question.
• identify relevant data sources, collect data, and process the data in order to develop a key deliverable of the seminar project;
• provide critical feedback on their peers’ work; and
• write up their findings in a seminar paper, present them, and defend them in critical discussion with fellow students.

Course Design

The seminar consists of four key elements.

• First, students will be exposed to main concepts, theories, methods, and applications related to the seminar topic.
• Second, each student will work on a specific topic related to those concepts, theories, methods, and applications and write a seminar paper. Topics will be presented and assigned in the first session.
• Third, other students—peers—will read and evaluate those seminar papers, each student providing a review on another student’s work.
• Fourth, seminar papers will be presented and discussed in class.

Timeline

• 15 April 2025, 10:00-13:30: Welcome presentation, organizational issues, and assignments
• 22 April 2025: Exam registration deadline
• 12 May 2025: Submission of first paper draft
• 19 May 2025: Submission of peer review
• 20 May 2025, 09:00- 17:30: Mid-term presentations and feedback
• 14 July 2025: Submission of final presentation
• 15 July 2025, 09:00-17:30: Final presentations
• 28 July 2025: Submission of final paper

Room for all classroom sessions:

• Room S310, building 411 (Pohligstr. 1)

Assessment

The course grading is:

• Final paper (60%)
• Presentation (20%)
• Peer review (20%)

PhD Students

This courses is open for PhD students. If you are a PhD student, please contact us before the first session.